Biomimetic insect

ABSTRACT

The disclosure relates to a biomimetic insect. The biomimetic insect includes a trunk and at least two wings connected to the trunk. The wing includes a carbon nanotube layer and a vanadium dioxide layer (VO 2 ) layer stacked with each other. Because the drastic, reversible phase transition of vanadium dioxide, the wing has giant deformation amplitude and fast response.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims all benefits accruing under 35 U.S.C. § 119 fromChina Patent Application No. 201610891825.6, filed on Oct. 12, 2016, inthe China Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference. This application is related toapplications entitled, “ACTUATOR BASED ON CARBON NANOTUBES AND ACTUATINGSYSTEM USING THE SAME”, filed on Sep. 25, 2017, with application Ser.No. 15/713,924, “METHOD FOR MAKING AN ACTUATOR BASED ON CARBONNANOTUBES”, filed on Sep. 25, 2017, with application Ser. No.15/713,945, “BIOMIMETIC LIMB AND ROBOT USING THE SAME”, filed on Sep.25, 2017, with application Ser. No. 15/713,987 and “TEMPERATURESENSITIVE SYSTEM”, filed on Sep. 25, 2017, with application Ser. No.15/713,996.

BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to actuators, especially, an actuatorbased on carbon nanotubes (CNT) and applications using the same.

2. Description of Related Art

The actuator is a device used to convert the other energy intomechanical energy. The type of the actuator usually includeselectrostatic drive actuator, magnetic drive actuator, and thermal driveactuator, such as electro-thermal actuator. Conventional electro-thermalactuator is a membrane structure of which main material is polymer. Whena current is applied, a temperature of the polymer is increased, whichcan lead to a sensible volume expansion of the polymer, and then themembrane structure bends and the electro-thermal actuator is activated.Thus, electrode materials of the electro-thermal actuator are requiredto be excellent conductive, flexible, and thermally stable due to itsoperating principle.

Composite materials containing carbon nanotubes are conductive andalready being used for electro-thermal actuator. When a current isapplied, the electro-thermal composite materials containing carbonnanotubes can generate heat. Then a volume of the electro-thermalcomposite materials is expanded and the electro-thermal compositematerials bends. Conventional electro-thermal composite materialsinclude a flexible polymer matrix and carbon nanotubes dispersed in theflexible polymer matrix. However, deformation of conventionalelectro-thermal composite materials is not large enough, and a responserate of conventional electro-thermal composite materials is slow.Improvement in the art is preferred.

What is needed, therefore, is an actuator based on carbon nanotubes andapplications using the same that overcomes the problems as discussedabove.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the exemplary embodiments can be better understood withreference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings arenot necessarily drawn to scale, the emphasis instead being placed uponclearly illustrating the principles of the exemplary embodiments.Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designatecorresponding parts throughout the several views.

FIG. 1 is a sectional view of a first exemplary embodiment of anactuator.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a first exemplary embodiment of a methodfor making the actuator of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) image of a drawn carbonnanotube film.

FIG. 4 is a schematic view of a carbon nanotube segment of the drawncarbon nanotube film of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a second exemplary embodiment of theactuator.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a second exemplary embodiment of a methodfor making the actuator of FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a sectional view of a third exemplary embodiment of theactuator.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a third exemplary embodiment of a methodfor making the actuator of FIG. 7.

FIG. 9 is a sectional view of a fourth exemplary embodiment of theactuator.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a fourth exemplary embodiment of a methodfor making the actuator of FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a sectional view of a fifth exemplary embodiment of theactuator.

FIG. 12 is a sectional view of a sixth exemplary embodiment of theactuator.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing a sixth exemplary embodiment of a methodfor making the actuator of FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a SEM image of the actuator of FIG. 12.

FIG. 15 is a partial enlarged image of the SEM image of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) image of theactuator of FIG. 12.

FIG. 17 is an Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) of the actuator of FIG. 12.

FIG. 18 is a Raman spectrum of the actuator of FIG. 12.

FIG. 19 is a sectional view of a first exemplary embodiment of anactuating system.

FIG. 20 is a schematic section view of an second exemplary embodiment ofan actuating system.

FIG. 21 is a partial enlarged SEM image of an actuator of the actuatingsystem of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is an Energy Dispersive Spectrometer (EDS) of an actuator of theactuating system of FIG. 20.

FIG. 23 is an optical image of a curved actuator of the actuating systemof FIG. 20 when the actuator is respectively heated to 32° C. and 46° C.

FIG. 24 is a Raman spectrum of an actuator of the actuating system ofFIG. 20 respectively at 26° C. and 50° C.

FIG. 25 is a sectional view of a third exemplary embodiment of anactuating system.

FIG. 26 is a sectional view of a first exemplary embodiment of atemperature sensitive system.

FIG. 27 is a sectional view of a second exemplary embodiment of atemperature sensitive system.

FIG. 28 is a SEM image of an actuator of the temperature sensitivesystem of FIG. 27.

FIG. 29 is a human body temperature test result of the temperaturesensitive system of FIG. 27.

FIG. 30 is a sectional view of a first exemplary embodiment of a robot.

FIG. 31 shows two optical images of a biomimetic hand of the robot ofFIG. 30.

FIG. 32 shows how the biomimetic hand of FIG. 31 moves a paper slip.

FIG. 33 is a section view of a first exemplary embodiment of abiomimetic insect.

FIG. 34 is an optical image of the biomimetic insect of FIG. 33.

FIG. 35 shows how the biomimetic insect of FIG. 33 wings.

FIG. 36 is an optical image of the second exemplary embodiment of apluralities of biomimetic butterflies.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration,where appropriate, reference numerals have been repeated among thedifferent figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. Inaddition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide athorough understanding of the exemplary embodiments described herein.However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the artthat the exemplary embodiments described herein can be practiced withoutthese specific details. In other instances, methods, procedures, andcomponents have not been described in detail so as not to obscure therelated relevant feature being described. The drawings are notnecessarily to scale, and the proportions of certain parts may beexaggerated better illustrate details and features. The description isnot to considered as limiting the scope of the exemplary embodimentsdescribed herein.

Several definitions that apply throughout this disclosure will now bepresented. The term “coupled” is defined as connected, whether directlyor indirectly through intervening components, and is not necessarilylimited to physical connections. The connection can be such that theobjects are permanently connected or releasably connected. The term“outside” refers to a region that is beyond the outermost confines of aphysical object. The term “inside” indicates that at least a portion ofa region is partially contained within a boundary formed by the object.The term “substantially” is defined to essentially conforming to theparticular dimension, shape or other word that substantially modifies,such that the component need not be exact. For example, substantiallycylindrical means that the object resembles a cylinder, but can have oneor more deviations from a true cylinder. The term “comprising” means“including, but not necessarily limited to”; it specifically indicatesopen-ended inclusion or membership in a so-described combination, group,series and the like. It should be noted that references to “an” or “one”exemplary embodiment in this disclosure are not necessarily to the sameexemplary embodiment, and such references mean at least one.

References will now be made to the drawings to describe, in detail,various exemplary embodiments of the present actuators based on carbonnanotubes and applications using the same.

Referring to FIG. 1, a first exemplary embodiment of an actuator 11 isprovided. The actuator 11 includes a carbon nanotube layer 110 and avanadium dioxide (VO₂) layer 111 stacked with each other to form aVO₂/Carbon Nanotube (CNT) composite. The carbon nanotube layer 110generates heat to heat the vanadium dioxide layer 111 or absorbs heatand transfer the heat to the vanadium dioxide layer 111. The vanadiumdioxide layer 111 would shrink along in-plane directions that areperpendicular to the thickness direction of the vanadium dioxide layer111. Thus, the actuator 11 bends. Because the carbon nanotube layer 110has a higher and faster light-heat conversion efficiency andelectric-heating conversion efficiency, and lower specific heatcapacity, the actuator 11 has a faster response rate.

The thickness of the vanadium dioxide layer 111 is not limited and canbe selected according to need. The thickness of the vanadium dioxidelayer 111 can be in a range of about 100 nanometers to about 500micrometers. In one exemplary embodiment, the thickness of the vanadiumdioxide layer 111 can be in a range of about 1 micrometer to about 10micrometers. When the thickness of the vanadium dioxide layer 111 is 150nanometers, the visible light transmittance of the vanadium dioxidelayer 111 is about 40%. The phase transformation temperature of thevanadium dioxide layer 111 is 68° C. The vanadium dioxide layer 111,consisting of pure vanadium dioxide, has an insulating phase at atemperature lower than 68° C., such as room temperature of 20° C. to 25°C. When the vanadium dioxide layer 111 is heated to phase transformationtemperature, such as above 68° C., the insulating phase is transited tometallic phase. Transiting from the insulating phase to the metallicphase, the vanadium dioxide layer 111 shrinks along the c axis, that isa crystallographic axis, of the metallic phase, resulting in aspontaneous strain ε as high as 1-2%. A volumetric work density of thevanadium dioxide layer 111 at metallic phase is about 7 J/cm³-28 J/cm³,and an elastic modulus of the vanadium dioxide layer 111 at metallicphase is about 140 GPa. When the vanadium dioxide layer 111 istransitioning from the insulating phase to the metallic phase, theresistance of the VO₂/CNT composite decreases by 11%. Because the volumeof the carbon nanotube layer 110 is unchanged, when the vanadium dioxidelayer 111 shrinks, the actuator 11 bends toward the side of the vanadiumdioxide layer 111. When the vanadium dioxide layer 111 is cooled to alow temperature, such room temperature, the metallic phase is transitedto the insulating phase. The actuator 11 is stretched to the originalstate, such as planar or curved. The actuator 11 can bend from theplanar shape to a curved shape, or bend from a first curved shape with alarge radius of curvature to a second curved shape with a small radiusof curvature.

The vanadium dioxide layer 111 can also be a doped vanadium dioxidefilm. The phase transformation temperature of the vanadium dioxide layer111 can be changed by doping. The doping element can be tungsten,molybdenum, aluminum, phosphorus, niobium, thallium, or fluorine. Thedoping percentage can be 0.5%-5%. When the doping element haslarge-scale atom, such as tungsten or molybdenum, the phasetransformation temperature of the vanadium dioxide layer 111 can bereduced. When the doping element has small-scale atom, such as aluminumor phosphorus, the phase transformation temperature of the vanadiumdioxide layer 111 can be increased. In one exemplary embodiment, thevanadium dioxide layer 111 is a doped with 1.5% tungsten. The phasetransformation temperature of the vanadium dioxide layer 111 is reducedto 34° C. When the tungsten doped vanadium dioxide layer 111 istransitioning from the insulating phase to the metallic phase, theresistance of the tungsten doped VO₂/CNT composite decreases by 6.8%.

The carbon nanotube layer 110 includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes.The carbon nanotubes in the carbon nanotube layer 110 can besingle-walled, double-walled, or multi-walled carbon nanotubes. Thelength and diameter of the carbon nanotubes can be selected according toneed. The thickness of the carbon nanotube layer 110 can be in a rangeof about 100 nanometer to about 100 micrometers. For example, thethickness of the carbon nanotube layer 110 can be in a range of about 1micrometer to 10 micrometers.

The carbon nanotubes in the carbon nanotube layer 110 can be orderlyarranged to form an ordered carbon nanotube structure or disorderlyarranged to form a disordered carbon nanotube structure. The term‘disordered carbon nanotube structure’ includes, but is not limited to,a structure where the carbon nanotubes are arranged along many differentdirections, and the aligning directions of the carbon nanotubes arerandom. The number of the carbon nanotubes arranged along each differentdirection can be almost the same (e.g. uniformly disordered). Thedisordered carbon nanotube structure can be isotropic. The carbonnanotubes in the disordered carbon nanotube structure can be entangledwith each other. The term ‘ordered carbon nanotube structure’ includes,but is not limited to, a structure where the carbon nanotubes arearranged in a consistently systematic manner, e.g., the carbon nanotubesare arranged approximately along a same direction and/or have two ormore sections within each of which the carbon nanotubes are arrangedapproximately along a same direction (different sections can havedifferent directions).

In one exemplary embodiment, the carbon nanotubes in the carbon nanotubelayer 110 are arranged to extend along the direction substantiallyparallel to the surface of the carbon nanotube layer 110. In oneexemplary embodiment, the carbon nanotube layer 110 is a free-standingstructure and can be drawn from a carbon nanotube array. The term“free-standing structure” means that the carbon nanotube layer 110 cansustain the weight of itself when it is hoisted by a portion thereofwithout any significant damage to its structural integrity. Thus, thecarbon nanotube layer 110 can be suspended by two spaced supports.

The carbon nanotube layer 110 can be a substantially pure structure ofcarbon nanotubes, with few impurities and chemical functional groups.The carbon nanotube layer 110 can also be a composite including a carbonnanotube matrix and non-carbon nanotube materials. The non-carbonnanotube materials can be graphite, graphene, silicon carbide, boronnitride, silicon nitride, silicon dioxide, diamond, amorphous carbon,metal carbides, metal oxides, or metal nitrides. The non-carbon nanotubematerials can be coated on the carbon nanotubes in the carbon nanotubelayer 110 or filled in the apertures of the carbon nanotube layer 110.In one exemplary embodiment, the non-carbon nanotube materials arecoated on the carbon nanotubes in the carbon nanotube layer 110. Thenon-carbon nanotube materials can be deposited on the carbon nanotubesin the carbon nanotube layer 110 by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) orphysical vapor deposition (PVD), such as sputtering.

The carbon nanotube layer 110 can include at least one carbon nanotubefilm, at least one carbon nanotube wire, or combination thereof. In oneexemplary embodiment, the carbon nanotube layer 110 can include a singlecarbon nanotube film or two or more carbon nanotube films stackedtogether. Thus, the thickness of the carbon nanotube layer 110 can becontrolled by the number of the stacked carbon nanotube films. Thenumber of the stacked carbon nanotube films is not limited. In oneexemplary embodiment, the carbon nanotube layer 110 can include a layerof parallel and spaced carbon nanotube wires. Also, the carbon nanotubelayer 110 can include a plurality of carbon nanotube wires crossed orweaved together to form a carbon nanotube net. The distance between twoadjacent parallel and spaced carbon nanotube wires can be in a range ofabout 0.1 micrometers to about 200 micrometers. In one exemplaryembodiment, the distance between two adjacent parallel and spaced carbonnanotube wires is in a range of about 10 micrometers to about 100micrometers. The gap between two adjacent substantially parallel carbonnanotube wires is defined as the aperture. The size of the aperture canbe controlled by controlling the distance between two adjacent paralleland spaced carbon nanotube wires. The length of the gap between twoadjacent parallel carbon nanotube wires can be equal to the length ofthe carbon nanotube wire. It is understood that any carbon nanotubestructure described can be used with all exemplary embodiments.

In one exemplary embodiment, the carbon nanotube layer 110 includes atleast one drawn carbon nanotube film. A drawn carbon nanotube film canbe drawn from a carbon nanotube array that is able to have a film drawntherefrom. The drawn carbon nanotube film includes a plurality ofsuccessive and oriented carbon nanotubes joined end-to-end by van derWaals attractive force therebetween. The drawn carbon nanotube film is afree-standing film. Referring to FIGS. 3 to 4, each drawn carbonnanotube film includes a plurality of successively oriented carbonnanotube segments 143 joined end-to-end by van der Waals attractiveforce therebetween. Each carbon nanotube segment 143 includes aplurality of carbon nanotubes 145 parallel to each other, and combinedby van der Waals attractive force therebetween. As can be seen in FIG.3, some variations can occur in the drawn carbon nanotube film. Thecarbon nanotubes 145 in the drawn carbon nanotube film are orientedalong a preferred orientation. The drawn carbon nanotube film can betreated with an organic solvent to increase the mechanical strength andtoughness and reduce the coefficient of friction of the drawn carbonnanotube film. A thickness of the drawn carbon nanotube film can rangeof about 0.5 nanometers to about 100 micrometers.

The carbon nanotube layer 110 can include at least two stacked drawncarbon nanotube films. In other exemplary embodiments, the carbonnanotube layer 110 can include two or more coplanar carbon nanotubefilms, and can include layers of coplanar carbon nanotube films.Additionally, when the carbon nanotubes in the carbon nanotube film arealigned along one preferred orientation (e.g., the drawn carbon nanotubefilm), an angle can exist between the orientation of carbon nanotubes inadjacent films, whether stacked or adjacent. Adjacent carbon nanotubefilms can be combined by only the van der Waals attractive forcetherebetween. An angle between the aligned directions of the carbonnanotubes in two adjacent carbon nanotube films can range of about 0degrees to about 90 degrees. When the angle between the aligneddirections of the carbon nanotubes in adjacent stacked drawn carbonnanotube films is larger than 0 degrees, a plurality of micropores isdefined by the carbon nanotube layer 110. In one exemplary embodiment,the carbon nanotube layer 110 includes 50 drawn carbon nanotube filmsstacked with each other.

In another exemplary embodiment, the carbon nanotube layer 110 caninclude a pressed carbon nanotube film. The pressed carbon nanotube filmcan be a free-standing carbon nanotube film. The carbon nanotubes in thepressed carbon nanotube film are arranged along a same direction orarranged along different directions. The carbon nanotubes in the pressedcarbon nanotube film can rest upon each other. Adjacent carbon nanotubesare attracted to each other and combined by van der Waals attractiveforce. An angle between a primary alignment direction of the carbonnanotubes and a surface of the pressed carbon nanotube film is about 0degrees to approximately 15 degrees. The greater the pressure applied,the smaller the angle formed. If the carbon nanotubes in the pressedcarbon nanotube film are arranged along different directions, the carbonnanotube layer 110 can be isotropic.

In another exemplary embodiment, the carbon nanotube layer 110 includesa flocculated carbon nanotube film. The flocculated carbon nanotube filmcan include a plurality of long, curved, disordered carbon nanotubesentangled with each other. Furthermore, the flocculated carbon nanotubefilm can be isotropic. The carbon nanotubes can be substantiallyuniformly dispersed in the carbon nanotube film. Adjacent carbonnanotubes are acted upon by van der Waals attractive force to form anentangled structure with micropores defined therein. Sizes of themicropores can be less than 10 micrometers. The porous nature of theflocculated carbon nanotube film increases the specific surface area ofthe carbon nanotube layer 110. Further, due to the carbon nanotubes inthe carbon nanotube layer 110 being entangled with each other, thecarbon nanotube layer 110 employing the flocculated carbon nanotube filmhas excellent durability, and can be fashioned into desired shapes witha low risk to the integrity of the carbon nanotube layer 110. Theflocculated carbon nanotube film, in some exemplary embodiments, isfree-standing due to the carbon nanotubes being entangled and adheredtogether by van der Waals attractive force therebetween.

The carbon nanotube wire can be untwisted or twisted. Treating the drawncarbon nanotube film with a volatile organic solvent can form theuntwisted carbon nanotube wire. Specifically, the organic solvent isapplied to soak the entire surface of the drawn carbon nanotube film.During the soaking, adjacent parallel carbon nanotubes in the drawncarbon nanotube film bundle together, due to the surface tension of theorganic solvent as it volatilizes, and thus, the drawn carbon nanotubefilm shrinks into an untwisted carbon nanotube wire. The untwistedcarbon nanotube wire includes a plurality of carbon nanotubessubstantially oriented along a same direction (i.e., a direction alongthe length of the untwisted carbon nanotube wire). The carbon nanotubesare substantially parallel to the axis of the untwisted carbon nanotubewire. More specifically, the untwisted carbon nanotube wire includes aplurality of successive carbon nanotube segments joined end to end byvan der Waals attractive force therebetween. Each carbon nanotubesegment includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes substantially parallelto each other, and combined by van der Waals attractive forcetherebetween. The carbon nanotube segments can vary in width, thickness,uniformity, and shape. The length of the untwisted carbon nanotube wirecan be arbitrarily set as desired. A diameter of the untwisted carbonnanotube wire ranges from about 0.5 nanometers to about 100 micrometers.

The twisted carbon nanotube wire can be formed by twisting a drawncarbon nanotube film using a mechanical force to turn the two ends ofthe drawn carbon nanotube film in opposite directions. The twistedcarbon nanotube wire includes a plurality of carbon nanotubes helicallyoriented around an axial direction of the twisted carbon nanotube wire.More specifically, the twisted carbon nanotube wire includes a pluralityof successive carbon nanotube segments joined end to end by van derWaals attractive force therebetween. Each carbon nanotube segmentincludes a plurality of carbon nanotubes parallel to each other, andcombined by van der Waals attractive force therebetween. The length ofthe carbon nanotube wire can be set as desired. A diameter of thetwisted carbon nanotube wire can be from about 0.5 nanometers to about100 micrometers. Further, the twisted carbon nanotube wire can betreated with a volatile organic solvent after being twisted to bundlethe adjacent paralleled carbon nanotubes together. The specific surfacearea of the twisted carbon nanotube wire will decrease, while thedensity and strength of the twisted carbon nanotube wire will increase.

Referring to FIG. 2, a method for making the actuator 11 of the firstexemplary embodiment comprises:

step (S11), providing the carbon nanotube layer 110;

step (S12), depositing a VO_(x) layer 112 on the carbon nanotube layer110 to form a VO_(x)/CNT composite; and

step (S13), annealing the VO_(x)/CNT composite in low-pressure oxygenatmosphere to form a VO₂/CNT composite, where the VO_(x) layer 112 istransformed to the vanadium dioxide layer 111.

In step (S12), the method for depositing the VO_(x) layer 112 is notlimited and can be CVD or magnetron sputtering. In step (S13), theoxygen atmosphere can be pure oxygen gas or air.

In one exemplary embodiment, the carbon nanotube layer 110 is formed bycross stacking 50 drawn carbon nanotube films of FIGS. 3-4. The VO_(x)layer 112 is deposited on a surface of the 50-layer cross-stacked drawncarbon nanotube films by DC magnetron sputtering. The DC magnetronsputtering system has a high-purity vanadium metal target. Thesputtering is carried out with flowing gas mixtures of 49.7 standardcubic centimeter per minute (sccm) Ar and 0.3 sccm O₂, under 0.55 Pa,for 30 minutes, at DC power of 60 W, and at room temperature. After theVO_(x) layer 112 deposition, the VO_(x)/CNT composite is annealed inlow-pressure pure O₂ atmosphere under 3×10⁻² mbar at 450° C. for 10minutes to crystallize into a VO₂/CNT composite. The VO_(x)/CNTcomposite can be annealed by heating in a furnace, or applying anelectronic current to the carbon nanotube layer 110 to heat the VO_(x)layer 112. When the annealing is performed at a temperature above 500°C., the annealing is performed in a vacuum room filled with traceoxygen. Thus, the carbon nanotube layer 110 can be prevented from beingoxidized. In one exemplary embodiment, the oxygen gas is introduced into the vacuum room at a flow rate less than 2 sccm. When the annealingis performed at a temperature below 450° C., the annealing can beperformed in air.

There is a lattice mismatch between the vanadium dioxide and carbonnanotubes. When the VO_(x) layer 112 is crystallized and transformed tothe vanadium dioxide layer 111, the vanadium dioxide layer 111 has acontraction stress because of the smaller lattice, and the carbonnanotube layer 110 has an anti-contraction stress. When the contractionstress of the vanadium dioxide layer 111 is greater than the maximumanti-contraction stress of the carbon nanotube layer 110, the VO₂/CNTcomposite would bend toward the side of the vanadium dioxide layer 111.Thus, the original state of the actuator 11 is curved. When thecontraction stress of the vanadium dioxide layer 111 is less than orequal to the maximum anti-contraction stress of the carbon nanotubelayer 110, the VO₂/CNT composite would be planar shaped. The contractionstress of the vanadium dioxide layer 111 and the anti-contraction stressof the carbon nanotube layer 110 are related to the thicknesses of thevanadium dioxide layer 111 and the carbon nanotube layer 110,respectively. The original state of the actuator 11 can be controlled bychanging the thicknesses of the vanadium dioxide layer 111 and thecarbon nanotube layer 110.

In another exemplary embodiment, the carbon nanotube layer 110 is formedby cross stacking 50 drawn carbon nanotube films. The W—VO_(x)(W dopedVO_(x) layer 112 is deposited on a surface of the 50-layer cross-stackeddrawn carbon nanotube films by DC magnetron sputtering. The DC magnetronsputtering system has a vanadium/tungsten mixed metal target with 1.5%tungsten by atom number. The sputtering is carried out with flowing gasmixtures of 49.5 sccm Ar and 0.5 sccm O₂, under 0.6 Pa, for 30 minutes,at DC power of 60 W, and at room temperature. After the W—VO_(x) layer112 deposition, the W—VO_(x)/CNT composite is annealed in low-pressurepure O₂ atmosphere under 4.5×10⁻² mbar at 450° C. for 10 minutes tocrystallize into a W—VO₂/CNT composite.

Referring to FIG. 5, an actuator 11A of the second exemplary embodimentis provided. The actuator 11A includes a carbon nanotube layer 110 and avanadium dioxide layer 111 stacked with each other to form a VO₂/CNTcomposite.

The actuator 11A of the second exemplary embodiment is similar to theactuator 11 of the first exemplary embodiment except that at least onecarbon nanotube film 113 is located and dispersed in the vanadiumdioxide layer 111 and spaced apart from the carbon nanotube layer 110.When a plurality of carbon nanotube films 113 are located and dispersedin the vanadium dioxide layer 111, the plurality of carbon nanotubefilms 113 are spaced apart from each other.

When a laser is radiated on the actuator 11A from the side of the carbonnanotube layer 110, some laser, that pass through the carbon nanotubelayer 110, would be absorbed by the at least one carbon nanotube film113 and converted to heat and heat up the vanadium dioxide layer 111.The thickness of the carbon nanotube film 113 should be small enough andthe distance between adjacent two carbon nanotube films 113 should belarge enough so that the carbon nanotube film 113 can shrink followingthe shrinkage of the vanadium dioxide layer 111. Thus, the shrinkage ofthe vanadium dioxide layer 111 would not be affected by the carbonnanotube film 113. In one exemplary embodiment, the carbon nanotube film113 is drawn carbon nanotube film having a thickness less than 30nanometers. When a plurality of carbon nanotube films 113 are located inthe vanadium dioxide layer 111, the distance between every two adjacentcarbon nanotube films 113 is greater than 30 nanometers.

Referring to FIG. 6, a method for making the actuator 11A of the secondexemplary embodiment comprises:

step (S21), providing a plurality of carbon nanotube films 113;

step (S22), depositing a VO_(x) layer 112 on each of the plurality ofcarbon nanotube films 113 to form a plurality of preform compositelayers;

step (S23), stacking the plurality of preform composite layers on thecarbon nanotube layer 110 to form a VO_(x)/CNT composite; and

step (S24), annealing the VO_(x)/CNT composite in low-pressure oxygenatmosphere to form a VO₂/CNT composite, where the VO_(x) layer 112 istransformed to the vanadium dioxide layer 111.

In steps (S22) and (S24), the methods for depositing a VO_(x) layer 112and annealing the VO_(x)/CNT composite is the same as the above steps(S12) and (S14). In step (S22), the VO_(x) layer 112 is deposited on twoopposite surfaces of the carbon nanotube film 113 and filled in themicropores of the carbon nanotube film 113. Each carbon nanotube of thecarbon nanotube film 113 is wrapped by the VO_(x) layer 112. Thus, theplurality of VO_(x) layers 112 would form an integrated vanadium dioxidelayer 111 after annealing. The plurality of carbon nanotube films 113are located in the vanadium dioxide layer 111 and spaced apart from eachother.

Referring to FIG. 7, an actuator 11B of the third exemplary embodimentis provided. The actuator 11B includes a carbon nanotube layer 110, avanadium dioxide layer 111 stacked on the carbon nanotube layer 110, anda plurality of carbon nanotube films 113 located in the vanadium dioxidelayer 111.

The actuator 11B of the third exemplary embodiment is similar to theactuator 11A of the second exemplary embodiment except that the carbonnanotube film 113 is larger than the vanadium dioxide layer 111 along adirection perpendicular to the thickness direction of the vanadiumdioxide layer 111. Thus, a portion of the carbon nanotube film 113extends out of the vanadium dioxide layer 111 to form an outsideportion. The plurality of carbon nanotube films 113 have a plurality ofoutside portions staked and in direct contact with each other. Theoutside portion of the carbon nanotube film 113 can be used to contactwith electrodes that can be used to supply electric current to thecarbon nanotube film 113 to generate heat.

In one exemplary embodiment, the carbon nanotube layer 110 is alsolarger than the vanadium dioxide layer 111 along the directionperpendicular to the thickness direction of the vanadium dioxide layer111. The plurality of outside portions are staked with each other and indirect contact with the edge of the carbon nanotube layer 110. Thus, theelectric current can be simultaneously supplied to both the carbonnanotube film 113 and the carbon nanotube layer 110 through two spacedelectrodes connected to the outside portions. The heat generated fromlaser absorbed by the carbon nanotube layer 110 can be conducted to thevanadium dioxide layer 111 through the plurality of carbon nanotubefilms 113. When the size of the carbon nanotube layer 110 is less thanthe size of the carbon nanotube film 113, the outside portion of thecarbon nanotube film 113 can be folded on the back side of the carbonnanotube layer 110 so that there is a greater contacting surface betweenthe outside portion of the carbon nanotube film 113 and the carbonnanotube layer 110.

Referring to FIG. 8, a method for making the actuator 11B of the thirdexemplary embodiment comprises:

step (S31), providing a plurality of carbon nanotube films 113;

step (S32), depositing a VO_(x) layer 112 on each of the plurality ofcarbon nanotube films 113 to form a plurality of preform compositelayers, where the size of the VO_(x) layer 112 is less than the size ofthe carbon nanotube film 113;

step (S33), stacking the plurality of preform composite layers on thecarbon nanotube layer 110 to form a VO_(x)/CNT composite; and

step (S34), annealing the VO_(x)/CNT composite in low-pressure oxygenatmosphere to form a VO₂/CNT composite, where the VO_(x) layer 112 istransformed to the vanadium dioxide layer 111, where a portion of eachcarbon nanotube film 113 extends out of the vanadium dioxide layer 111.

After step (S34), mechanical pressing or organic solvent treating can beperformed to allow the outside portion of the carbon nanotube film 113and the edge of the carbon nanotube layer 110 to be in direct contactwith each other. The organic solvent can be dropped on the carbonnanotube film 113 and the carbon nanotube layer 110. The outside portionof the carbon nanotube film 113 and the edge of the carbon nanotubelayer 110 would be attached to each other after the organic solvent isvolatilized. The organic solvent can be volatile solvent, such asethanol, methanol, acetone, dichloroethane, chloroform, or mixturesthereof. In one exemplary embodiment, the organic solvent is ethanol.

Referring to FIG. 9, an actuator 11C of the fourth exemplary embodimentis provided. The actuator 11C includes a carbon nanotube layer 110 and avanadium dioxide layer 111 stacked on the carbon nanotube layer 110.

The actuator 11C of the fourth exemplary embodiment is similar to theactuator 11 of the first exemplary embodiment except that a carbonnanotube array 114 is located in the vanadium dioxide layer 111. Thecarbon nanotube array 114 includes a plurality of carbon nanotubessubstantially parallel to and spaced apart from each other. The vanadiumdioxide layer 111 is filled in the spaces of the carbon nanotube array114.

The carbon nanotubes in the carbon nanotube array 114 are perpendicularto the carbon nanotube layer 110. One end of each of the carbonnanotubes in the carbon nanotube array 114 can be exposed from thebottom surface of the vanadium dioxide layer 111 and in direct contactwith the top surface of the carbon nanotube layer 110, and the other endof each of the carbon nanotubes in the carbon nanotube array 114 can beexposed from the top surface of the vanadium dioxide layer 111. The heatgenerated from laser absorbed by the carbon nanotube layer 110 can beconducted to the vanadium dioxide layer 111 through the carbon nanotubearray 114 more effectively since the thermal conductivity of the carbonnanotubes along length direction is much better than that along theradial direction. Because the carbon nanotubes in the carbon nanotubearray 114 are spaced apart from each other along the in-plane directionsthat are perpendicular to the thickness direction of the vanadiumdioxide layer 111, the carbon nanotube array 114 would shrink alongin-plane directions following the shrinkage of the vanadium dioxidelayer 111. Thus, the shrinkage of the vanadium dioxide layer 111 isalmost not affected by the carbon nanotube array 114.

Referring to FIG. 10, a method for making the actuator 11C of the fourthexemplary embodiment comprises:

step (S41), providing a carbon nanotube array 114 including a pluralityof carbon nanotubes substantially parallel to each other;

step (S42), stretching the carbon nanotube array 114 along a directionperpendicular to the length direction of the plurality of carbonnanotubes;

step (S43), depositing a VO_(x) layer 112 on the carbon nanotube array114 to form a preform composite layer, where the VO_(x) layer 112 isfilled in the spaces of the carbon nanotube array 114;

step (S44), stacking the preform composite layer on the carbon nanotubelayer 110 to form a VO_(x)/CNT composite; and

step (S45), annealing the VO_(x)/CNT composite in low-pressure oxygenatmosphere to form a VO₂/CNT composite, where the VO_(x) layer 112 istransformed to the vanadium dioxide layer 111.

In step (S41), the carbon nanotube array 114 can be grown on a siliconwafer by CVD. The carbon nanotubes in the carbon nanotube array 114grown on the silicon wafer has very small spaces therebetween. Thus, itis hard to fill the VO_(x) layer 112 in the spaces of the carbonnanotube array 114.

In step (S42), the stretching the carbon nanotube array 114 can enlargethe spaces of the carbon nanotube array 114. The carbon nanotube array114 can be peeled off from the silicon wafer by an elastic adhesive tape116. Thus, the carbon nanotube array 114 is transformed on the elasticadhesive tape 116 and stretched by drawing the elastic adhesive tape 116along two opposite directions.

In step (S43), the carbon nanotube array 114 is continuously stretchedduring depositing the VO_(x) layer 112. Thus, the VO_(x) layer 112 isfilled in the spaces of the carbon nanotube array 114.

Referring to FIG. 11, an actuator 11D of the fifth exemplary embodimentis provided. The actuator 11D includes a carbon nanotube layer 110 and avanadium dioxide layer 111 stacked on the carbon nanotube layer 110.

The actuator 11D of the fifth exemplary embodiment is similar to theactuator 11 of the first exemplary embodiment except that a flexibleprotection layer 115 is located on the surface of the carbon nanotubelayer 110 and/or the surface of the vanadium dioxide layer 111. In oneexemplary embodiment, the carbon nanotube layer 110 and the vanadiumdioxide layer 111 are entirely enveloped by the flexible protectionlayer 115.

The flexible protection layer 115 prevents the vanadium dioxide layer111 from being corroded and prevents the carbon nanotube layer 110 fromabsorbing impurity. The flexible protection layer 115 can be a polymercoating or a silicon rubber sheath. The portion of the flexibleprotection layer 115, that is in direct contact with the vanadiumdioxide layer 111, have small thickness and better elasticity so thatthe portion of the flexible protection layer 115 can shrink followingthe shrinkage of the vanadium dioxide layer 111. In one exemplaryembodiment, the carbon nanotube layer 110 and the vanadium dioxide layer111 are entirely enveloped by the silicon rubber sheath.

The method for making the actuator 11D of the fifth exemplary embodimentis similar to the method for making the actuator 11 of the firstexemplary embodiment except that further including a step of applyingthe flexible protection layer 115.

Referring to FIG. 12, an actuating system 10 of the sixth exemplaryembodiment is provided. The actuating system 10 includes an actuator 11,a support 12, and an activating device 13. The actuator 11 includes acarbon nanotube layer 110 and a vanadium dioxide layer 111 stacked onthe carbon nanotube layer 110. The actuator 11 can also be replaced byother actuators described above.

The actuator 11 has a curved strip-shaped. Two opposite ends of theactuator 11 are fixed on the support 12, and the middle portion of theactuator 11 are suspended by extending out of the support 12. Theactuator 11 can also be straight strip-shaped and have only one endfixed on the support 12 and the other end suspended. The activatingdevice 13 is spaced apart from the actuator 11 and used to activate theactuator 11 by wireless mode. The activating device 13 can be located ona side of the carbon nanotube layer 110. The activating device 13 can bea light source. In one exemplary embodiment, the middle portion of theactuator 11 are curved to form a pointed shape. The activating device 13is a laser device and can be used to apply laser pulse. When theactivating device 13 emit laser to radiate the actuator 11, the carbonnanotube layer 110 absorbs the laser and convert the laser to heat. Thevanadium dioxide layer 111 is heated to the phase transformationtemperature and shrinks. The portion of the actuator 11 that issuspended would bend toward the side of the vanadium dioxide layer 111.When the activating device 13 stop radiating the actuator 11, theactuator 11 is cooled and return to original state.

Referring to FIG. 13, a method for making the actuating system 10 of thesixth exemplary embodiment comprises:

step (S61), placing a carbon nanotube layer structure 117 on a plate 14,where the plate 14 defines a plurality of through openings 141 spacedapart from each other, and the carbon nanotube layer structure 117covers the plurality of through openings 141;

step (S62), patterning the carbon nanotube layer structure 117 to form aplurality of strip-shaped carbon nanotube layer 110, depositing a VO_(x)layer 112 on each of the plurality of carbon nanotube layers 110, andthen transforming the VO_(x) layer 112 to the vanadium dioxide layer 111by annealing in low-pressure oxygen atmosphere to form a plurality ofactuators 11; and

step (S63), cutting the plate 14 to form a plurality of support 12,where each of the plurality of actuators 11 is located on one of theplurality of support 12.

In step (S61), the plurality of through openings 141 can besubstantially parallel with each other or arranged to form a twodimensional array. The plurality of through openings 141 can be replacedas strip-shaped grooves or blind holes. In step (S62), the two oppositeends of each of the plurality of strip-shaped carbon nanotube layers 110are fixed on the surface of the plate 14, and the middle portion of eachof the plurality of strip-shaped carbon nanotube layer 110 is suspendedthrough one of the plurality of through openings 141. In one exemplaryembodiment, the plate 14 is a Si₃N₄ substrate. The carbon nanotube layerstructure 117 are patterned by laser scanning.

The actuator 11 of the sixth exemplary embodiment is characterized. FIG.14 is a SEM image of the actuator 11. FIG. 15 is a partial enlargedimage of the SEM image of FIG. 14. As shown in FIG. 15, the carbonnanotubes in the carbon nanotube layer 110 are vertically cross witheach other, and the vanadium dioxide layer 111 is uniformly dispersed onthe carbon nanotube layer 110. FIG. 16 is a TEM image of the actuator11. As shown in FIG. 15, the vanadium dioxide layer 111 is wrapped onsome carbon nanotubes in the carbon nanotube layer 110. FIG. 17 is anEDX of the actuator 11. As shown in FIG. 17, the vanadium dioxide layer111 is uniformly dispersed on the carbon nanotube layer 110. FIG. 18 isa Raman spectrum of the actuator of FIG. 12. As shown in FIG. 18, thevanadium dioxide layer 111 is in the insulating phase since the peaks192, 223, and 625 are outstanding. The actuating system 10 of the sixthexemplary embodiment is further tested. The activating device 13 islaser device and used to emit a square wave pulse laser with a powerdensity of 800 mW/cm²-1600 mW/cm². The actuator 11 is radiated by thesquare wave pulse laser and swings up and down. The attenuationfrequency of the actuator 11 is approximately 80 Hz, a response time ofthe actuator 11 is about 12.5 milliseconds, and the ambient temperatureof the actuator 11 is about 43° C. during the test process.

Referring to FIG. 19, an actuating system 10A of the first exemplaryembodiment is provided. The actuating system 10A includes an actuator11B, a support 12, and an activating device 13. The actuator 11Bincludes a carbon nanotube layer 110, a vanadium dioxide layer 111stacked on the carbon nanotube layer 110, and carbon nanotube films 113located in the vanadium dioxide layer 111. The actuator 11 can also bereplaced by other actuators described above.

The actuating system 10A of the first exemplary embodiment is similar tothe actuating system 10 of the sixth exemplary embodiment except thatthe actuator 11B is used, two electrodes 118 are respectively located onand connected to the two opposite ends of the actuator 11B, and theactivating device 13 is a power supply and connected to the twoelectrodes 118. The power supply can be a direct current power supply oran alternating current power supply. In one exemplary embodiment, theactivating device 13 can supply pulse current to the actuator 11Bthrough the two electrodes 118.

The electrodes 118 can be two metal sheets or metal films. Theelectrodes 118 can be fixed on the carbon nanotube layer 110 byconductive adhesive. The electrodes 118 can also be located on theoutside portion of the carbon nanotube film 113 so that the outsideportion of the carbon nanotube film 113 is sandwiched between theelectrodes 118 and the carbon nanotube layer 110. When the current issuppled to the carbon nanotube layer 110 by the activating device 13.The carbon nanotube layer 110 converts the current to heat to heat thevanadium dioxide layer 111. Thus, the actuator 11B bends. When theactivating device 13 stop supplying current, the actuator 11B return toinitial state. When the pulse current is suppled to the carbon nanotubelayer 110, the actuator 11B swings up and down.

Referring to FIG. 20, an actuating system 10B of the second exemplaryembodiment is provided. The actuating system 10B includes an actuator11, a support 12, and an activating device 13. The actuator 11 includesa carbon nanotube layer 110 and a vanadium dioxide layer 111 stacked onthe carbon nanotube layer 110. The actuator 11 can also be replaced byother actuators described above.

The actuating system 10B of the second exemplary embodiment is similarto the actuating system 10 of the sixth exemplary embodiment except thatonly one end of the actuator 11 is fixed on the support 12, the otherend of the actuator 11 is suspended, and the vanadium dioxide layer 111is a doped with 1.5% tungsten.

The actuator 11 of the second exemplary embodiment is characterized.FIG. 21 is a partial enlarged SEM image of an actuator 11 of FIG. 20.FIG. 22 is an EDS of an actuator 11 of FIG. 20. As shown in FIG. 22, thetungsten element are doped in the vanadium dioxide layer 111. Theactuator 11 of the second exemplary embodiment is further tested. Asshown in FIG. 23, the actuator 11 has bended at 32° C. and would furtherbends at 46° C. FIG. 24 is a Raman spectrum of an actuator 11 of FIG. 20respectively at 26° C. and 50° C. As shown in FIG. 24, the vanadiumdioxide layer 111 is insulating phase at 26° C., and is transited tometallic phase at 50° C. The activating device 13 is laser device andused to emit a square wave pulse laser with a power density of 250mW/cm²-800 mW/cm². The actuator 11 is radiated by the square wave pulselaser and swings up and down. The attenuation frequency of the actuator11 is approximately 35 Hz, a response time of the actuator 11 is about28.5 milliseconds, and the ambient temperature of the actuator 11 isabout 9° C. during the test process.

Referring to FIG. 25, an actuating system 10C of the third exemplaryembodiment is provided. The actuating system 10C includes an actuator 11and an activating device 13. The actuator 11 includes a carbon nanotubelayer 110 and a vanadium dioxide layer 111 stacked on the carbonnanotube layer 110. The actuator 11 can also be replaced by otheractuators described above.

The actuating system 10C of the third exemplary embodiment is similar tothe actuating system 10 of the sixth exemplary embodiment except thatactivating device 13 is a heater including a heating element 132 spacedapart from the actuator 11.

In one exemplary embodiment, the activating device 13 includes aninsulating substrate 130, two electrodes 131 located on the insulatingsubstrate 130 and spaced apart from each other, a heating element 132electrically connected to the two electrodes 131, and a power supply 133respectively electrically connected to the two electrodes 131. Theheating element 132 is located on the side of, substantially parallelto, and spaced apart from the carbon nanotube layer 110. The heatingelement 132 can be a carbon nanotube film or metal wires such astungsten filament. The heating element 132 is used to heat the actuator11 by thermal radiation. When the actuating system 10C works in vacuum,the carbon nanotubes heating element 132 can be heated to emit visiblelight. The insulating substrate 130 can defines a groove and middleportion of the heating element 132 can be suspended through the groove.Two ends of the heating element 132 can be sandwiched between theinsulating substrate 130 and the two electrodes 131. One end of theactuator 11 is fixed on one of the two electrodes 131, and the other endof the actuator 11 is suspended above the heating element 132. Areflecting layer 134 can be located on the insulating substrate 130,such as on the bottom surface of the groove, and used to reflect theheat or light from the heating element 132. Thus, the heat or lightemitted from the heating element 132 can be absorbed by the carbonnanotube layer 110 effectively.

Referring to FIG. 26, a temperature sensitive system 20 of the firstexemplary embodiment is provided. The temperature sensitive system 20includes an actuator 11, a power supply 21, an ammeter 22, a firstelectrode 23, and a second electrode 24. The actuator 11 includes acarbon nanotube layer 110 and a vanadium dioxide layer 111 stacked onthe carbon nanotube layer 110. The actuator 11 can also be replaced byother actuators described above.

The power supply 21 is electrically connected to the first electrode 23and the second electrode 24. The first end of the actuator 11 is fixedon the first electrode 23, and the carbon nanotube layer 110 iselectrically connected to the first electrode 23. The second end of theactuator 11 is in direct contacted with the second electrode 24, and thecarbon nanotube layer 110 is electrically connected to the secondelectrode 24. Thus, the power supply 21, the first electrode 23, thesecond electrode 24, and the actuator 11 are electrically connected toeach other to form a loop circuit. The ammeter 22 is electricallyconnected in the loop circuit in series.

In operation, the actuator 11 is placed on an object or in anenvironment. The current supplied to the actuator 11 by the power supply21 is small enough so that the carbon nanotube layer 110 would not heatthe vanadium dioxide layer 111 to the phase transformation temperature.When the temperature of the object or the environment is higher than thephase transformation temperature, the actuator 11 bends, Thus, thesecond end of the actuator 11 move away and would be spaced apart fromthe second electrode 24. Thus, the loop circuit is disconnected, and theammeter 22 shows that there is no current.

Alternatively, the second end of the actuator 11 can be spaced apartfrom the second electrode 24 so that the loop circuit is disconnectedusually. When the actuator 11 bends, the second end of the actuator 11move toward and would be connected to the second electrode 24. Thus, theloop circuit is formed, and the ammeter 22 shows that there is current.

The ammeter 22 can also be replaced by other electric device that canshow the current of the loop circuit, such as a lamp or a voltmeter. Thevoltmeter should be connected to a resistance in the loop circuit inparallel. The ammeter 22 can also be replaced by an alarm device.

Referring to FIG. 27, a temperature sensitive system 20A of the secondexemplary embodiment is provided. The temperature sensitive system 20Aincludes an actuator 11, a power supply 21, an ammeter 22, a firstelectrode 23, a second electrode 24, and a thermal conductive substrate25. The actuator 11 includes a carbon nanotube layer 110 and a vanadiumdioxide layer 111 stacked on the carbon nanotube layer 110. The actuator11 can also be replaced by other actuators described above.

The temperature sensitive system 20A of the second exemplary embodimentis similar to the temperature sensitive system 20 of the first exemplaryembodiment except that the first end of the actuator 11 is fixed on thethermal conductive substrate 25 by the first electrode 23. The secondend of the actuator 11 is in direct contact with and pressed by thesecond electrode 24 so that the actuator 11 is usually bended under thepressure of the second electrode 24. The thermal conductive substrate 25is an insulating ceramic plate. The vanadium dioxide layer 111 is dopedwith tungsten and has a phase transformation temperature of 37° C. Theactuator 11 further includes a flexible protection layer 115 coated onthe carbon nanotube layer 110 so that the elasticity of bending theactuator 11 is increased.

In operation, the thermal conductive substrate 25 is attached on theobject. When the temperature of the object is higher than the phasetransformation temperature, the actuator 11 further bends toward theside of the vanadium dioxide layer 111. Thus, the second end of theactuator 11 move away and would be spaced apart from the secondelectrode 24. Thus, the loop circuit is disconnected, and the ammeter 22shows that there is no current. When the temperature of the object islower than the phase transformation temperature, the actuator 11 wouldreturn to the initial state under the elastic force of the actuator 11.Thus, the second end of the actuator 11 move toward and would beconnected to the second electrode 24. Thus, the loop circuit is formed,and the ammeter 22 shows that there is current. The flexible protectionlayer 115 allows the actuator 11 return to the initial state rapidlywhen temperature of the object is lower than the phase transformationtemperature.

FIG. 28 is a SEM image of the actuator 11 of the temperature sensitivesystem 20A of FIG. 27. As shown in the FIG. 28, the second end of theactuator 11 bends and pressed by the second electrode 24 which is atungsten probe. FIG. 29 is a human body temperature test result of thetemperature sensitive system 20A of FIG. 27. As shown in the FIG. 29,when the human body temperature reaches 37° C., the current of theammeter 22 suddenly and sharp declines. It represents that theelectrical circuit in FIG. 27 cuts off.

Referring to FIG. 30, a robot 30 of the first exemplary embodiment isprovided. The robot 30 includes a body 31 and an operation system 32loaded on the body 31. The body 31 includes at least one biomimeticupper limb 33 and a laser device 35. The biomimetic upper limb 33includes an arm and a biomimetic hand 34 connected to the arm. Thebiomimetic hand 34 is made of the VO₂/CNT composite described above. Thelaser device 35 is used to radiate the biomimetic hand 34.

The shape of the biomimetic hand 34 is not limited and can be designedaccording to need. The biomimetic hand 34 can have a single biomimeticfinger or a plurality of biomimetic fingers. In one exemplaryembodiment, the biomimetic hand 34 has four biomimetic fingers spacedapart from each other. Each biomimetic finger is a strip-shaped actuator11 and includes a carbon nanotube layer 110 and a vanadium dioxide layer111 stacked on the carbon nanotube layer 110.

FIG. 31 shows two optical images of a biomimetic hand 34 of the robot ofFIG. 30. As shown in FIG. 31(a), when the laser device 35 is off, theinitial or natural state of the biomimetic hand 34 is that the fourfingers are curved but the biomimetic hand 34 is open. As shown in FIG.31(b), when the laser device 35 is on, the biomimetic hand 34 is closed.FIG. 32 shows how the biomimetic hand 34 moves a paper slip. In FIG.32(a), the biomimetic hand 34 pinches and takes the paper slip at afirst position. In FIG. 32(b), the biomimetic hand 34 raises up thepaper slip. In FIG. 32(c), the biomimetic hand 34 moves the paper slipfrom the first position to the second position. In FIG. 32(d), thebiomimetic hand 34 releases and put down the paper slip at the secondposition.

Referring to FIG. 33, a biomimetic insect 40 of the first exemplaryembodiment is provided. The biomimetic insect 40 includes a trunk 41 andat least two wings 42 connected to the trunk 41. The two wings 42 aresymmetrical. The at least two wings 42 are made by cutting the VO₂/CNTcomposite described above and includes a carbon nanotube layer 110 and avanadium dioxide layer 111.

The size of the biomimetic insect 40 can be in a range of 1 millimeterto 5 centimeters. The biomimetic insect 40 can be a dragonfly, abutterfly, a mosquito, a fly, or a moths. In one exemplary embodiment,both the trunk 41 and the at least two wings 42 are made of the VO₂/CNTcomposite described above. Thus, as shown in FIGS. 34 an 36, the trunk41 and the at least two wings 42 can be integrated. The biomimeticinsect 40 can be made by directly cutting the VO₂/CNT composite to formthe insect pattern. The biomimetic insect 40 can also be made by cuttingthe carbon nanotube layer 110 to form the insect pattern and thenapplying the vanadium dioxide layer 111 thereon. As shown in FIG. 36, apluralities of biomimetic butterflies are made by patterning the sameVO₂/CNT composite layer.

As shown in FIG. 35, when a square wave pulse laser with a frequency of10 Hz is applied to the biomimetic insect 40, the biomimetic insect 40flaps wings. The frequency, that the biomimetic insect 40 flaps wings,is about 80 Hz.

Alternatively, the trunk 41 can also consists of other material, such aspolymer or rubber. The two wings 42 are two strip-shaped actuator 11 andfixed on the trunk 41. The biomimetic insect 40 may includes somesensors, such as micro camera, located in the trunk 41. The biomimeticinsect 40 are good tools for spying purposes in military applications.

It is to be understood that the above-described exemplary embodimentsare intended to illustrate rather than limit the disclosure. Anyelements described in accordance with any exemplary embodiments isunderstood that they can be used in addition or substituted in otherexemplary embodiments. Exemplary embodiments can also be used together.Variations may be made to the exemplary embodiments without departingfrom the spirit of the disclosure. The above-described exemplaryembodiments illustrate the scope of the disclosure but do not restrictthe scope of the disclosure.

Depending on the exemplary embodiment, certain of the steps of methodsdescribed may be removed, others may be added, and the sequence of stepsmay be altered. It is also to be understood that the description and theclaims drawn to a method may include some indication in reference tocertain steps. However, the indication used is only to be viewed foridentification purposes and not as a suggestion as to an order for thesteps.

What is claimed is:
 1. A biomimetic insect comprising: a trunk; and twowings connected to the trunk, wherein at least one of the two wingscomprises a carbon nanotube (CNT) layer and a vanadium dioxide layer(VO₂) on the carbon nanotube layer to form a VO₂/CNT composite.
 2. Thebiomimetic insect of claim 1, wherein the at least one of the two wingsfurther comprises a carbon nanotube film located in the vanadium dioxidelayer and spaced apart from the carbon nanotube layer, wherein athickness of the carbon nanotube film is less than 30 nanometers.
 3. Thebiomimetic insect of claim 2, wherein the at least one of the two wingsfurther comprises a plurality of carbon nanotube film located in thevanadium dioxide layer and spaced apart from each other, wherein adistance between every two adjacent carbon nanotube films is greaterthan 30 nanometers.
 4. The biomimetic insect of claim 2, wherein aportion of the carbon nanotube film extends out of the vanadium dioxidelayer to form an outside portion.
 5. The biomimetic insect of claim 4,wherein the outside portion is in direct contact with the carbonnanotube layer.
 6. The biomimetic insect of claim 1, wherein the atleast one of the two wings further comprises a carbon nanotube arraylocated in the vanadium dioxide layer, wherein the carbon nanotube arraycomprises a plurality of carbon nanotubes substantially parallel to andspaced apart from each other, and the plurality of carbon nanotubes isperpendicular to the carbon nanotube layer.
 7. The biomimetic insect ofclaim 6, wherein each of the plurality of carbon nanotubes has one endin direct contact with the carbon nanotube layer.
 8. The biomimeticinsect of claim 1, wherein the at least one of the two wings furthercomprises a flexible protection layer located on at least one of thecarbon nanotube layer and the vanadium dioxide layer.
 9. The biomimeticinsect of claim 8, wherein the flexible protection layer entirelyenvelopes the carbon nanotube layer and the vanadium dioxide layer. 10.The biomimetic insect of claim 1, wherein the vanadium dioxide layer isdoped with an element selected from the group consisting of tungsten,molybdenum, aluminum, phosphorus, niobium, thallium, and fluorine. 11.The biomimetic insect of claim 1, wherein each of the two wingscomprises the carbon nanotube layer and the vanadium dioxide layerstacked with each other.
 12. The biomimetic insect of claim 11, whereinthe trunk and the two wings are integrated.
 13. The biomimetic insect ofclaim 12, wherein the trunk and the two wings are made by cutting thesame VO₂/CNT composite comprises the carbon nanotube layer and thevanadium dioxide layer.
 14. The biomimetic insect of claim 1, whereinthe trunk comprises polymer or rubber.
 15. The biomimetic insect ofclaim 1, further comprises a sensor located on the trunk.
 16. Abiomimetic insect comprising: a trunk; and two wings connected to thetrunk, wherein at least one of the two wings comprises a VO₂/CNTcomposite.